French Opera: La fille du régiment

“The representation of Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment, yesterday afternoon, was as complete a success as the management could well desire. A large and fashionable assemblage welcomed Mlle. Naddie, Mme. Daire and MM. Anthelme, Vert and Chol. The marked favor with which La Fille du Régiment has been received in Brooklyn and in this city proves that the public only require a more thorough acquaintance with the light and sparkling music of comic operas to appreciate the works of French composers. Donizetti’s melodies are familiar to all, and the knowledge of the score possessed by the patrons of the French theatre is an incentive to their attendance.  When the Crown Diamonds, Les Mousquetaires and a host of other works will become known, the popularity of Opéra Comique will be increased one hundred fold, and the cozy auditorium will scarce be spacious enough to accommodate the audience.  Yesterday applause was generously bestowed, M. Anthelme and Mlle. Naddie being particularly favored. The music of La Fille du Régiment is, however, rather trying to the voices of the singers, who are accustomed to rendering less weighty productions. Zampa and The Daughter of the Regiment are, in a measure, grand operas, and therefore somewhat overtax the artistes. Mme. Daire, also appeared as the Marchioness, and M.M. Vert and Chol acquitted themselves satisfactorily.”